
As CBD is a relative newcomer to the wellness world, there’s still a lot of confusion surrounding what it actually is and what it can do. This lack of understanding is often so profound that it extends even to more basic questions, such as how CBD tastes.
In the interest of clarifying this topic, we will explain what CBD oil tastes like and how its flavor profile can vary depending on a number of factors.
The Taste Depends on the Product
One of the most significant influences on the flavor of CBD oil is the type of extract used in its production. You see, CBD oils usually come in three main varieties: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate.
Full-spectrum CBD Oils
Full-spectrum CBD products contain all of the natural ingredients present in the plant they were extracted from. As such, it comes as no surprise that quality full-spectrum CBD oil should taste similar to hemp. Of course, the flavor itself can also be subtly influenced by the terpenes inside the full-spectrum product – these are the same compounds that give cannabis its distinctive aroma.
As such, it is possible to find full-spectrum CBD oils that have a more floral, fruity, or even slightly herbal taste.

Broad-spectrum CBD Oils
Broad-spectrum CBD oil is a product that contains a wide range of natural compounds found in the plant, with the exception of THC. This essentially means that users can get most of the benefits and flavors associated with full-spectrum CBD products without having to worry about consuming Delta-9 THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis.
Again, the terpenes found in the broad-spectrum extract can also play a role in the overall taste of the oil.
Pure CBD Oils
CBD isolate is the third and final type of CBD product that should be mentioned. It contains cannabidiol only, with all other plant compounds removed. As there’s nothing that could influence the flavor of the final product, CBD isolates are expected to have a mostly neutral and unnoticeable taste.
It’s also worth noting that product quality may play a role in how it tastes. CBD oil made from low-quality hemp that has been poorly processed might have a more unpleasant flavor than one that has been manufactured using high-quality plants and state-of-the-art extraction methods.
Because of that, it’s recommended to always source your CBD oil from reputable and trusted producers.
The Oil Base Can Affect the Flavor
Another factor that can have a significant impact on how CBD oil tastes is the type of carrier oil used in the product. There are two primary types of carrier oils that are commonly used to manufacture CBD goods: olive oil and hemp seed oil.
CBD oils containing the former can often come off as slightly grassy and smooth. This is a trait commonly associated with olive oil, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that the same may go for CBD products that contain this ingredient.
Cannabidiol products with hemp seed base have a different flavor altogether. These tend to be slightly nuttier, often reminding users of the taste of walnuts or sunflower seeds.
Key Takeaways
- The flavor of CBD oil can be influenced by the type of extract used in its production.
- Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils often taste similar to hemp. That is because they contain a wide variety of natural compounds present in said plant.
- CBD isolate products usually have a more neutral and unnoticeable taste.
- The carrier oil used in the manufacturing of CBD products can also influence the final flavor of the oil.